Transmission



Sept. 28, 1954 Filed Aug. 21, 1951 FIG. ICL

C. A. COOK ET AL TRANSMISSION 3 Sheets-Sheet l v IN VEN TORS. CHARLES A. COOK ERNEST E. EATON Sept. 28, 1954 COOK ET AL 2,690,086

TRANSMISSION Filed Aug. 21, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 v 8 n O O m N l N a I l 6 l I g E N (I i I Q l $5 I g I a k n v I 5 o t g D I \s I I g I INVENTORS. CHARLES A. COOK ERNEST E. EATON Sept. 28, 1954 Q COOK ET AL 2,690,086

TRANSMISSION Filed Aug. 21, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. 2

IN V EN TORS.

CHARLES A. CO BY ERNEST E. EAT

W a'fi ATTYS.;

Patented Sept. 28, i 1954 zstatst TRANSMISSION Charles A.. Cook and Ernest E. Eaton, Jackson, Mich., assignors to Clark Equipment Company, Buchanan, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application August 2l, 1951, Serial No. 242,826

(Cl. M740) 9 Claims. 1

Our present invention relates generally to a transmission, and, more specifically, is directed to a transmission for self propelled vehicles, as for example, road graders, tractors, and thelike.

It is a primary object of our present invention to provide a multi-speed transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft the axes of which lie in the same vertical plane and the ends of which shafts extend outwardly of the housing of the transmission at the same end thereof.

It-is another object of our present invention to provide a transmission, of the character noted, which is of minimum axial extent.

It is a further object of our present invention to provide a transmission, as described, which may-bereadily assembled anddisassembled.

In the accomplishment'of the above objects,

we proposeto preferably-provide a transmission housing'comprising a forward portion, arrintermediate portion, and a. rear portion with the forwardand: rear portions being detachably secured to'the intermediate portion at opposite ends thereof: An input: shaft extends into the forward housingportion and a first shaft lying below the inputshaft extends through-the forward housing portion and into the intermediate housing portion- Gear meansv is provided between the. input shaft" and the first: shaft and the gear-means. lies withinthe confines of the forward housing portion. A second shaft is aligned coaxiallyzofs the. first: shaft: and. extends between-'the intermediate'and rear housing per-- tions; Selectively operable forward; and reverse drive gear.- meansixis arranged betweenithe'. first and second shafts 'anmthe. gearmeans: lies substan-ti'ally within the;- confines of theintermediate housing portion. A thirdsha'ft is disposed below the secondshaftand;extends; through-the forward: intermediate housing portions. Selectively operable changespeed gear; means is. provided between the. second and :thirdshafts and the gear means: lies; substantially within the confines of the'rear housing portion. An output shaft ismounted below the third shaft and extends through: the forward and intermediate housing'portions. Aibevel drive pinion is mounted onzthe end'zof the outputshaft outwardly of the forward housing: portion-below the input shaft: Selectively operable change speedgear means are-provided between: the third shaft and;the output shaft; within. the confines of 2 the forward" and. intermed-i'ate housing portions.

, action gear.

It is still another object of our invention to provide a transmission of the character described wherein the gear means between the first and second shafts comprises planetary gear means.

It is a still further object of our invention to provide a transmission as noted wherein the gear means between the third shaft and the output shaft includes a pair of axially shiftable clutch collar members.

A feature of our invention resides in the character of the gear means between the second and third shafts. The gear means includes a sleeve member journaled about the second shaft. A gear is fixed to the sleeve member intermediate of the ends thereof, which gear has meshing engagement with a gear fixed to the third shaft. Planetary gear means is provided between the adjacent ends of the second shaft and the sleeve member within the confines of the gear housing portion. The planetary gear means comprises five elements, namely, a sun gear, planet pinion means, a planet carrier, a ring gear, and a re- One of the elements has driving connection with the second shaft and another of the. elements has driving connection with the sleeve member. First means is provided for clutching two of the planetary elements together whereby one drive ratio is effected between the second shaft and the sleeve member. Second means is provided for braking one of the planetary elements whereby a second drive ratio is effected between the second shaft and the sleeve member. Third means is provided for braking another of the planetary elements whereby a third drive ratio is effected between the second shaft and the sleeve member.

In the preferred embodiment of our invention to be disclosed in detail hereinafter, the planetary ring gear is formed at the end of the sleeve member and the sun gear is fixed to the end of the second shaft. The first means is adapted to clutch the planet carrier and the reaction gear together while the second means is adapted to brake the planet carrier against rotation. The third means provides for braking of the reaction gear.

The aforedescribed planetary gear means provides for a compact change speed gear assembly as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Instead of the drive proceeding in a straight line between a pair of shafts lying in end to end relation as convention al, the drive doublesback or the input and output of the planetary gear means extends from the same side of the latter, thus maintaining the axial extent of the planetary gears means, as well as the overall axial extent of the transmission, at a minimum.

Now, in order to acquaint those skilled in the art with the manner of constructing and using the transmission of our present invention, we shall describe in connection with the accompanying drawings a preferred embodiment of our present invention.

In the drawings:

Figures la and in when aligned along the dotdash lines illustrate a vertical sectional view taken through the transmission of our present invention; and

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic showing of the low speed gear means associated with the output shaft of the transmission of Figure 1.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown a transmission housing comprising a forward portion iii suitably secured by ciroumi'erentially spaced bolts ii to the forward end of an intermediate portion I2 which in turn is secured at its rear end by a plurality of circumferentially spaced bolts E3 to a rear portion it. A horiaontally extending input shaft is is rotatably mounted in a ball bearing assembly is retained in the forward ".ial wall of the forward transmission housing portion iii. The shaft 55 is adapted to have driving connection with a prime mover (not shown). The input shaft it at its rear end is journaled in a ball bearing assembly ii which is retained in the radially inwardly directed flange portion or wall iii of the forward transmission housing portion iEE. A gear it is spline-cl or otherwise suitably secured to the shaft l5 intermediate of the ball bearing assemblies i6 and IT. A cap member 2G is disposed concentrically about the shaft and is secured to the forward wall of the forward transmission husing portion iii by circumferentially spaced bolts 25. An annular oil seal 2.; is arranged between the inner periphery of the cap member 2t and the outer periphery of a hub member 23 mounted on the input shaft i outwardly of the transmission housing.

The gear iii has meshing engagement with a gear 2 3, splined or otherwise suitably secured to a shaft 25, which shaft lies below the shaft i5, and at its forward end, is journaled in a ball bearing assembly 25 suitably retained in the forward wall of the forward transmission housing portion is. The axis of shaft 25 lies in the vertical plane passing through the axis of the input shaft E5. The shaft 25 is also journaled in a ball bearing assembly 21' mounted in the radial flange E8 of the forward transmission housing portion iii. A look nut 23 is threade on to the end of the shaft 25 for retaining the ball bearing assembly 2 5 and gear 125 proper position. A cap member 29 is disposed about the end of the shaft 25 and is secured to the forward wall of the forward transmission housing portion 1% by circumferentially spaced bolts A gear portion 3-8 is formed integrally with the shaft 25 at the rear thereof. A. central axial opening 3? is formed in the rear end of the shaft 25 and piloted therein is the forward nose portion 38 of a rearwardly extending shaft 39. A gear portion it formed integrally with the shaft 39 closely adjacent to the gear 3!}.

A radial ring member ll at its inner periphery is journaled on an annular bushing member supported on the shaft 25 intermediate of the ball bearing assembly 2? and the gear 35. A first set of circumferentially spaced axially rearwardly extending pin members it are fixed at at their forward ends in the r. The pin members it and are nately and, at their rear are fixed radially extending flange portion of an a rearwardly extending inner clutch :35, v. l hub 4'5 is journaled on a ball bearing asse y M suitably mounted on the outer periphery of the shaft 35 intermediate of the ends t .e ecf. The ring member ii and flange li; serve s planet carrier. Compound planet pinicns 6 having pinion portions ii) and Eli are rotatabl; mounted on needle bearing assemblies 3i arranged about the outer periphery of the 11-111 members M. The gear portions ii} of the co pound pinions it; have meshing engagement the gear of shaft 25.

Planet pinions iii are rotatably mounted on needle bearing assemblies 52 arranged about t outer periphery of the members 53. The p ions {it have meshing engagement with the pinion portions 51-1! of the compound planet pinions ii and the gear iii of the shaft Secured to the radial flange of the inner clutch hub 36, at the outer periphery thereof, an annular axially rearwardly extending brain drum The brake drum is secured to t e radial flange by circumferentially spaced bolts he.

Splined on the shaft immediately i ar wardly of the ball bearing assembly ii and with in the confines of the brake drum 555, is a hub member 53, which at rear end is formed with a radially extending flange portion Disposed within the confines of the brake drum 55 and secured at its rear end, to the radial flange at the outer periphery thereof, by bolts 5?, outer clutch hub which internal strai "it splines 59. Mounted for axial movement along the splines 59 are radially extending clutch Arranged alternately with respect to the clutch discs iii are clutch discs iii which are mounted for axial movement on external straight splines 62 formed in the aforedescribed inner clutch hub it. Suitable plate members and M are disposed on each side of the sets of clutch plates 6% and ti. Axial movement of the plate member 83 to the left as viewed in Figure l is limited by a snap ring 55 which is fixed in the outer clutch hub 58.

Bearing against the rear radial surface of the rear clutch plate 6a is a piston 68 which at its inner periphery engages the hub 53 and at its outer periphery engages the outer clutch hub 58. The piston fit is provided with oil seals 6? and 68 for preventing leakage of the fluid therepast. The piston 55 is hollowed out whereby a fluid chamber 59 is defined between the piston 63 and the radial flange 54 of hub 53. The fluid chamber 69 communicates through a radial fluid passageway ill formed in the hub member 53 which fluid passageway 10,. in turn, communicates with a radial fluid passageway H formed in the shaft 39. The fluid passageway H communicates with an axially forwardly extending fluid passageway "52 formed in the shaft and the fluid passageway 72 at its forward end communicates with the aforedescribed opening 3i formed in the rear end of the shaft 25. A suitable oil sea-l "i3 is arranged about the outer periphery of the nose portion 33 of shaft 39 for preventing fluid leakage therepast. The opening Slcommunicates with the rear end of an axial fluid passageway 74 formed in zgeeogoee theeshait' 25iiwhiclnpassagewa3e'14 attitsi-zforward end communicates; with amopeninga' 1.5a formed inzrtherforwardz end ofatheashafti25. The afore described: cap: member-"29: secmtedsaboutzthe end of ithesshaft Zt'is :formedi withz'ai'rearwardlyreisr tending: nose portion.- I6 which ris journaledrr in the: opening: I5 innthe 'shait'lfis. Anlaidal zfiuid passageway ."TI' :is formed ,imzthescammember zii andirat Jone end-:commurficateswwiththe opening F51 n'zshat225-rand.:at the otherr'end'ziszradapted toub'e.) selectively placed; in communication :with atsource of :fiuideunderi pressures A suitab-leroil seal I8 is rprovidedr about the; outer periphery of the nose portion. 'ofz'the capL-member ZBAfor preventing leakage of fluiditherepastr Upon 1 the selective admission of fluid under pressure to the fluidichamben 69 -attgtherrear end of v theipiston 6.6, through 'ithefiuid passagewam'I-l, opening-l5; passageway .1 11; opening 31,: andifluid passageways. 12; I I :andn'li); the: piste-nth is urged to the left .from' lthe flposition shownkintFigureil until the. clutch .discs: 60= andgifi I are: forced; .togather. Whenxthe clutchtdi'scs.Iiflnandfit are fully engaged the inner clutchihubz'll't:issclntched to; the. shaft 39 ..for .conioint .rotatione therewith: It'is to be. also observed. =th'at*wh'en: the hub? 56 is: clutched: .to' theshaft 46, the planet :pinicns '51 are :heldv against rotationtirelativeito-ithe gear: ii] which in turn prevents: relative: rotationof the compound planet pinions: 48 and thelxgear 3-6 relative to: the shaft. 39 'I'hus.-.1 direct drive. is eiiected'ibetweeni-the shafts 25 and: 92

One or more-brake bands iifi whieh'zinutlie sper cific: embodimentshown' herein numbertwo; are disposed about the outer periphery of: the: brake drum 55'. Any suitable actuatingmechanism (not shown) -may be provided for 'applying the bralre bands -86 to the brake drum 55 for braking'tl-re latter; Assumingthat the-fluid has been-'- bled from-the'chamber 69', adjacent thepiston 66", and the-clutch discs 66 and't-I'are spread apart} as is effected-by means of the-axially extending coil springs 8-1 arranged between the clutch plates 63 and 6t; reverse drive to"theshaft 39' may 'be effected by selectively applying the brakeband-s Eli-to the brake drum 55 When 'the b'rake-drum 55-is held against rotation, the pin members 33 and 44 carried-by the planet carrier are hel'd again-strotation and thus the planet pinions -fl'fi, SU -and 5| are free to rotate about thepin members 43 and 44-.

Assuming that the gear 36- is rotatingin-a counterclockwise" direction,- it will be" observed that'the planet pinion portions 39iof -the'compound planet 'pinions 48 will rotate in a clockwise direction as willthe planet pinion portions 58 'of'the compound planet pin-ions 885 The-planet pinions 5| will, in turn, rotate a countercleck wise direction and the-gear" E0" and shaft 39* will be rotated ina clockwise direction, which'is' in theopposite direction of rotatiorr of the gear "36.

It will thus beseen from the above description that direct forwarddrive-maym'e eiiected between theshafts 25-and 39' by= causing-engagement of the clutch discs Eli and: GI; while reverse drive may be efiected between-the siraftsit and 39 by releasing engagement of the clutch =dises 60" and! and applying the brake bandssaw the brake drum 55.

The intermediate transmission .portion- I 23. is formed" with a radially inwardly extending flange orwall 88 in which-is mounted. a ball bearing assembly 89. The-ball bearing-assembly 892is maintainedinposition by meansof a-ring, -mernber. 90 suitablysecured to the flange-.88 byci-rcumferentially spaced bolts-.9.I. J ourna-ledi in-the ball bearing assemblytil is thevforvmrd end of an axially: rearwardly: extending sleeve: member 92; which; at its rear: end; is :journaledxinxa ball bearing. assembly 93' suitably mounted in: the rear endiwall of. the intermediatewtransmission housing-portion I2; Theisleeve'membertifl 'ime mediatelyrearwardly ofzthe ballbearing assenr-1 blly 93, within. the rear: transmission: housing portion I4; is. formedrwith a radially extending flange portion 94;. which-'flangecportion 94;.atits outer periphery is formed? over" so as to. extend axially rearwardly. .Thezaxial ly extending Ipor tion of theifiange 94518 formed with internal gear teeth'35 which serve as aring gear:

A needlebearingassembly 91 is arrangedabout the. inner: periphery. of? the i sleeve member: 92 at the forward. end. thereof; and provides a support for the shaft SS inteImedia-te of'the ends thereof.

The hub 98 0f a :gear 98 issplined or otherwise suitably scour-ed to the shaft 39, adjacent the rear end thereof substantially within the confines of the axially rearwardly extending porticnof thesfl'ange S t-of sleeve:92. A bushing member "I 00 is. mounted. onthe outer periphery of the hub- 98 and; i j'ournaled' i. on the bushing member. I 002: is: a radially extending-ringmember IOI in whichis securedithe forward: ends of. a plurality of cire currrferentially; spaced; axially extending: pin members; I02. AlSO'ZfiXddl at'itheir forward ends irrathe ring. member. IiiL-"areacircumfie'rentially spacedaxially extending pincmembers I03. The pinmembers' IfilZ and: I53 are alternately a'r. ranged and at their rear ends are fixeduinthe radial: :fiangeportion: Iiid of an". inner clutch. hub I. Thai-ring member Iil-landfiange IMqserve asz-arplanet carrier.- Planet pinions Itlfirare rotatablymounted on needle bearing: assemblies 1 EH arranged":concentrically; about the pin; members I tea The planet; pinions 1 wee-have -meshing -engagement with the aioredescribed; gear Sit-secured to'th'e shaftti]; Compound. planetzpinions-ill-B haying: planetpiniozr portions IM and-.II-G'ware journaled'pn. needle bearing; assemblies III ranged-aboutxthe: pin members Hi3. The; planet pinion. portions H39 of the compound. planet pinions r i682 have: meshing: engagement with: the ring gear '95: andixth'e plametpiniOns; Ifla; The planet: pinion: portions Hi)" of the compound planet pinionsi t8 :have meshing' engagement with a: gear 'I' I2 :icmredvat the forward: endmfza rear-'- wardiy' extendingzshait I 13'. The shaft; I I3; is aligned: coaxiallyof. the shaft 139 .i

An axially extending opening: I iiliuisziormedtin the forwardend oftheeshaiit II3Iand thez'rear nose portion of .shaitSB is suitably pilotedinzthe opening IM: Mounted about the outernperiphery of the shaft 2 I 523. intermediate therends thereof is a ball bearing. assembly 5 I Econ the outer;periph-- cry or which is. mounted the aioredescribedzinner clutch hub "i165. The. shaft. i I. Ziaadiacent the-rear endthereot is: journaled ina ball: bearingv assembly i: I 5 mounted. 'inxthc: rear end wall. of the. rear transmission housing: portion. .M; The ballabearing assembly i: it; is; maintained in position by means of a cap memberri Ilsaitablyvsecuredazto the rear end: wall of :the rear: transmission :ho-us ingf: portion: M1 by means: of" circumterentially spaced boltsi'ih: The-ball bearing assembly. I i-6 is:a1'so. maintained- .axial position by. means of a, lock-nutl I9 threaded onto. the end. of the shaft I I3within thecapmember I H;

Suitably. splined orotherwise. secured to the shaft I I3 intermediate of the ballbearingassemblies I. I I I 6 issahub: i.28..-havin, z.a radially extending flange portion I2I at the rear end thereof. Secured to the flange I2I at the outer periphery thereof is an axially forwardly extending brake drum I22 about which is disposed a brake band I23. Application of the brake band I23 to the brake drum I22 may be effected by any known and conventional brake actuating means. Also secured to the flange I2I inwardly of the brake drum I22 is an axially forwardly extending outer clutch hub I24. The brake drum I22 and the clutch hub I24 are secured to the flange I2! by means of circumferentially spaced bolts I25. The clutch hub I24 is formed with internalstraight splines I25 on which are mounted for axial movement, clutch discs I21. Arranged alternately with respect to the clutch discs I2? are clutch discs I23 which are mounted for axial movement on external straight splines I29 formed on the inner clutch hub I05. Clutch plates I38 and I3I are disposed on each side of the clutch discs I21 and I28. Forward axial movement of the forward clutch plate I3!) is limited by a thrust washer I32 mounted in the clutch hub I24.

A piston I33 engages the rear radial surface of the rear clutch plate I 3 I. The inner periphery of the piston I32 engages the outer periphery of the hub I 23 and the outer periphery of the piston I33 engages the inner periphery of the outer clutch hub I24. The piston I33 is hollowed out thus defining a fluid chamber I34 between the piston I33 and the flange I2I of the hub member I28. Suitable oil seals M2 and I23 are provided for the piston I33 to prevent leakage of fluid therepast.

The fluid chamber I34 communicates through a radial fiuid passageway I35 formed in the hub I25, which fluid passageway I35, in turn, communicates with a radial fluid passageway I36 formed in the shaft H3. The passageway I35 communicates with the forward end of an axially rearwardly extending fluid passageway I317 formed in the shaft H3. The rear end of the fluid passageway I 31 communicates with an opening I38 formed in the shaft H3, in which opening I33, a forwardly extending nose portion I39 of the cap member H1 is piloted. A suitable oil seal Mil is disposed about the outer periphery of the nose portion I39 and engages the inner periphery of the opening I38. The opening I38 communicates with a fluid passageway I H in the cap member II? which opens outwardly of the cap member Iil and is adapted to be selectively disposed in communication with a source of fluid under pressure.

When fluid under pressure is selectively admitted to the chamber I24, through the fluid passageway IIII, opening I38, passageways I31, I35, and I35, the piston I33 is urged to the left from the position shown in Figure 1, thereby forcing the clutch discs I2? and I28 together, which, clutches the inner clutch hub I to the outer clutch hub I24. When fluid is bled from the chamber I34 the clutch discs I21 and I28 are spread apart by means of axially extending coil springs i i-i which are arranged between the clutch plates I38 and HI.

Secured to the outer periphery of the flange I84 of the inner clutch hub I05, as by a plurality of circumferentially spaced bolts I45, is a brake drum I 85 about which is disposed a brake band I47. Any suitable brake actuating means may be provided for selectively disposing the brake band I47 in engagement with the brake drum M6 for braking the latter.

Drive may be selectively effected between the shaft 39 and. the sleeve member 32 in one of three ranges. If low range drive is desired the brake band It! is applied to the brake drum I46 thereby holding the latter, together with the flange I04 and the pin members I52 and I83 against rotation. Assuming that the shaft 39 is rotating in a clockwise direction, the planet pinions I 06 will be caused to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, which, in turn, will effect clockwise rotation of the planet pinion portions I09 of the compound planet pinions I38. Clockwise rotation of the planet pinion portions I89 will effect clockwise rotation of the ring gear and the sleeve member 92.

If intermediate drive is desired, the brake band I41 is released from braking engagement with the brake drum I 45 and the brake band I23 is applied to the brake drum I22 which, through the flange I2 I, holds the shaft II3 against rotation. The gear I I2 then serves as a reaction gear for the compound planet pinions I58.

If high range drive or direct drive is desired, the brake band I23 is released from engagement with the brake drum I22 and fluid under pressure is selectively admitted to the fluid chamber I34 for effecting engagement of the clutch discs I21 and I28. When the clutch discs I22 and I28 are disposed in engagement, the clutch hubs I05 and I2 1 rotate conjointly with the shaft I I3, which, holds the compound planet pinions Hi8 against rotation relative to the pin members I03, gear H2 and shaft H3. With the compound planet pinions I38 held against rotation relative to the pin members I53, the planet pinions IE6 are held against rotation relative to the gear 953 and thus the elements of the planetary gear mechanisms are locked together and the ring gear 95 rotates conjointly with the shaft 38.

Splined or otherwise suitably secured to the sleeve member 52 intermediate of the radial flange 83 and the rear end wall of the intermediate transmission housing portion I2 is a gear I48 which has meshing engagement with a gear I56 splined on the rear end of a shaft I5'I. The shaft I5! at its rear end is journaled in a ball bearing assembly I58 suitably mounted in the rear end wall of the intermediate transmission housing portion I2. The rear end of the shaft I5? is closed by a suitable closure plate I59. The shaft I5'I adjacent its forward end is journaled in a ball bearing assembly I513 which is secured in the forward wall of the forward transmission housing portion It. The ball bearing assembly I 55 is maintained in position by means of a cap member I5! which is secured to the forward wall of the forward transmission housing portion I0 by means of a plurality of circumferentially spaced bolts I62.

The gear I56 has meshing engagement with a gear I 63 which is journaled on a bushing member I64 mounted about the outer eriphery of an output shaft I25. The axes of the shafts I5! and I65 are parallel and lie in the vertical plane passing through the axis of the input shaft I5. The hub of the gear I33 is formed with external jaw clutch teeth I55. Secured to the output shaft I55 immediately forwardly of the gear I63 is a hub member I57 having external straight splines I58 which mate with the internal straight splines I63 of an axially shiftabie clutch collar member we. The clutch collar member I10 is formed with an annular groove [H which is adapted to receive a shift for}; (not shown) for effecting axial movement of the clutch hub I'IIJ. When the clutch hub lit is moved to the right from theposition shown in Figure 1, the internal splines I69 thereof are disposed in engagement with the external jaw clutch teeth I65 of gear I53 thereby clutching the latter to the shaft I65 for conjoint rotation therewith.

Mounted on the shaft I65, immediately forwardly of the hub member IE'l, is a bushing member 172 upon which is journaled for rotation a gear I'I3, the hub of which is formed with external jaw clutch teeth I74. When the clutch collar member I'lllis shifted to the left from the position shown in Figure 1, until the internal straight splines IE9 are disposed in engagement with the external jaw clutch teeth IZ l of gear I13, the latter is clutched to the shaft I65 for conjoint rotation therewith.

As shown in Figure 2, the gear I13 has meshing engagement with a gear I15 shown diagrammatically for the sake of clarity. The gear I75 is mounted on a shaft I'IB which is suitably journaled at its ends in ball bearing assemblies (not shown) mounted in the transmission housing. Also mounted on-the shaft I16, for rotation therewith, is a gear I'll which has meshing engagement with a gear IlB splined orotherwise suitably secured to the shaft I51 intermediate of the ends thereof. The gears I18 and I56 are axially spaced on the shaft I51 by means of an annular spacingmember Il-9.

Formed integrally with the forward end of the shaft I? is a gear portion I80 which has meshing engagement with a gear ISI journaled on a bushing member I62 arranged about the outer periphery of the forward end of the output shaft I55. The hub of the gear IEI is formed with external jaw clutch teeth I53. A hub member I84 is keyed, splined, or otherwise suitably secured to the output shaft I55, immediatelyrear wardly of the gear MI, and the hub I84 is formed with external straight splines I85 which mate with the internal straight splines I85 of an axially shiftable clutch collar member I81. The clutch collar member I8? is formed with an annular groove I38 which is adapted to receive a shiftfork (not. shown). When the clutch collar member I-Siiis shifted to the leftfrom the position. shown in Figure 1, until the internal splines: I36 are disposed in engagement with the jaw clutch teeth I83 of gear I8I, the latter is clutched to the output shaft I65 for conjoint rotationtherewith. 1

Also splined to the shaft. I5'l,linltermediate of the gears In and I85, is a gear I8 9 which has meshing engagement with a gear 7 I99 jou-rnaled on a bushing member lfil supported on the output shaft I65 immediately rearwardly of the hub member I8 3. The hub of the gear I98 is formed with external jaw clutch teeth I92. When the clutchcollar member i8? is shifted [to the right, from the position shown in Figure 1, until the internal splines I85 are disposed. in engagement with the jaw clutch teeth I92 of gear I-9D, the latteris clutched to the shaft I65 for con-joint: roltation therewith.

. The aforedescribed gears H8 and I-89 on the shaft I5'l are axially spaced by means'of an annular spacer member I93, and the gear I89 is maintained in axial position by means of a thrust washer I9 5 fixed in the shaft I51.

.The. output shaft IE5, at itsrear end, isjournaled in a-tapered roller bearing assembly 1M whichis retained in a flange member. 202 suitably secured to the rear end wall of the intermediate transmission. housing portion I2 by means of a plurality of circumferentially spaced bolts 203. The hub 256 of a conventional output shaft brake (not shown) is suitably secured to the rear end of the output shaft I65. Arranged concentrically about the brake hub 2M is a cap member 205 which is secured to the flange member 252 by'the aforedescribed bolts 293. An oil seal assembly 2% is interposed between the inner periphery of the cap member 205 and the outer periphery of the brakehub 2ft for preventing oil leakage from'the interior of the transmission housing.

The forward end of the output shaft I55 is journaled in a tapered roller bearing assembly fill which is suitably fixed in the forward end wall of the forward transmission housing portion' It,

A bevel pinion 2% is formed integrally with the forward end of the output shaft I55 forwardly of the tapered roller bearing assembly RM. The bevel pinion 258 is adapted to have meshing engagement with abevel ring gear shown diagrammatically at 299, which is'arra-nged within a bevel-ring gear housing 2H] secured to the forward wall of the forward transmission housing portion it. The bevel ring gear 259 is fixed to a drive axle shown diagrammatically at 2H for effecting rotation of the latter. The drive axle 72M extends at right angles to the output shaft I55.

Drive between the shaft I5! and the output shaft I55 is adapted to be effected in one of four drive ratios. When the clutch collar member I10 is shifted to the left from the position shown in Figure 1, so as to clutch the gear I13 to the output shaft H55, ultra low or first drive ratio is effected between the shafts I57 and I65. When the clutch collar member Ill! is returned to a neutral position as shown in Figure l, and the clutch collar member I87 shifted to the left from the position shown in Figure 1, so as to clutch the gear IBI to the shaft l65, a second drive ratio is effected between the shafts I57 and. I65. Third drive ratio is effected by shifting the clutch collar member I81 to the right from the position shown in Figure 1, so as to clutch the gear I90 to the output shaft I55. High ratio drive, or fourth ratio drive, is effected by returning the clutch collar member l8? to the position shown in Figure 1 and then shifting the clutch collar member I to the right from the position shown in Figure 1, so as to clutch the gear I63 to the output shaft I65.

As outlined above, either forward drive or'reverse drive may be effected selectively between the input shaft I5 and the shaft 39. Any one of "three drive ranges may be effected selectively, ineither forward or reverse drive, between the shaft 39 and the shaft Hill. In addition, any one of four drive ratios may be effected between the shaft I51 and the output shaft I65. It will thus be observed that any one of 12 speed ranges between the input shaft I5 and the output shaft I55 may be selected with the transmission of our present invention.

In actual practice, it is undesirable to drive the output shaft in a reverse direction either in ultra low speed or in high ratio drive, and therefore, when reverse drive is selected, means are generally provided for preventing the clutch coll-ar member I15 from. being shifted from the neutral position shown in Figure 1. Thus, in a reverse direction, only six speedsare provided between the input-shaft I 5 and the output shaft I65.

While we have shown and described what We 1 I believe to be a preferred embodiment of our present invention, it will be understood that various modifications and re-arrangements may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of our present invention.

We claim:

1. A transmission including a housing, an input shaft extending into said housing, a first shaft in said transmission housing below said input shaft, a gear fixed to said input shaft and having meshing engagement with a gear fixed to said first shaft, a second shaft aligned coaxially of said first shaft, a gear at the end of said first shaft adjacent said second shaft, a gear at the end of said second shaft adjacent said first shaft, a first planet carrier arranged concentrically about said gears at the adjacent ends of said first and second shafts, first compound planet pinion means carried by said first planet carrier and having first and second pinion portions with the first pinion portions meshing with the gea' on said first shaft, second planet pinion means having pinion portions meshing with said second pinion portions of said first compound planet pinion means and meshing with the gear on said second shaft, fluid actuated clutch means for clutching said first planet carrier to said second shaft for effecting direct drive between said first and second shafts, brake means for braking said first planet carrier against rotation for effecting reverse drive between said first and second shafts, a third shaft lying below said second shaft, selectively operable change speed gear means between said second and third shafts, an output shaft lying below said third shaft, and selectively operable change speed gear means between said third shaft and said output shaft.

2. A transmission including a housing, a first shaft in said transmission housing, a second shaft aligned coaxially of said first shaft, selectively operable forward and reverse drive gear means between said first and second shafts, a third shaft aligned coaxially of said second shaft, 2. gear at the end of said second shaft adjacent said third shaft, a gear at the end of said third shaft adjacent said second shaft, a planet carrier arranged concentrically about said gears at the adjacent ends of said second and third shafts, planet pinion means carried by said planet carrier and having meshing engagement with said gears at the adjacent ends of said second and third shafts, said last named planet pinion means having meshing engagement with a ring gear journaled on said second shaft, fluid actuated clutch means for clutching said planet carrier to said third shaft for effecting one drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, brake means for braking said planet carrier against rotation for effecting a second drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, brake means for braking said third shaft against rotation for effecting a third drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, a fourth shaft lying below said second shaft, gear means between said ring gear and said fourth shaft, an output shaft lying below said fourth shaft, and selectively operable change speed gear means between said fourth shaft and said output shaft.

3. A transmission including a housing, an input shaft extending into said housing, a first shaft in said transmission housing below said input shaft, a gear fixed to said input shaft and having meshing engagement with a gear fixed to said first shaft, a second shaft aligned coaxially of said first shaft, a gear at the end of said first shaft adjacent said second shaft, a gear at the end of said second shaft adjacent said first shaft, a first planet carrier arranged concentrically about said gears at the adjacent ends of said first and second shafts, first compound planet pinion means carried by said first planet carrier and having first and second pinion portions with the first pinion portions meshing with the gear on said first shaft, second planet pinion means having pinion portions meshing with said second pinion portions of said first compound planet pinion means and meshing with the gear on said second shaft, fluid actuated clutch means for clutching said first planet carrier to said second shaft for effecting direct drive between said first and second shafts, brake means for braking said first planet carrier against rotation for effecting reverse drive between said first and second shafts, a third shaft aligned coaxially of said second shaft, a gear at the end of said second shaft adjacent said third shaft, a gear at the end of said third shaft adjacent said second shaft, a second planet carrier arranged concentrically about said gears at the adjacent ends of said second and third shafts, planet pinion means carried by said second planet carrier and having meshing engagement with said gears at the adjacent ends of said second and third shafts, said last named planet pinion means having meshing engagement with a ring gear journaled on said second shaft, fluid actuated clutch means for clutching said second planet carrier to said third shaft for effecting one drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, brake means for braking said second planet carrier against rotation for effecting a second drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, brake means for braking said third shaft against rotation for effecting a third drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, a fourth shaft lying below said second shaft, gear means between said ring gear and said fourth shaft, an output shaft lying below said fourth shaft, and selectively operable speed gear means between said fourth shaft and said output shaft.

4. A transmission including a housing, an input shaft extending into said housing, a first shaft in said transmission housing below said input shaft, a gear fixed to said input shaft and having meshing engagement with a gear fixed to said first shaft, a second shaft aligned coaxially of said first shaft, a gear at the end of said first shaft adjacent said second shaft, a gear at the end of said second shaft adjacent said first shaft, a first planet carrier arranged concentrically about said gears at the adjacent ends of said first and second shafts, first compound planet pinion means carried by said first planet carrier and having first and second pinion portions with the first pinion portions meshing with the gear on said first shaft, second planet pinion means having pinion portions meshing with said second pinion portions of said first compound planet pinion means and meshing with the gear on said second shaft, fluid actuated clutch means for clutching said first planet carrier to said second shaft for effecting direct drive between said first and second shafts, brake means for braking said first planet carrier against rotation for effecting reverse drive between said first and second shafts, a third shaft lying below said second shaft, gear means between said second shaft and said third shaft including a first gear secured on said third shaft, an output shaft lying below said third shaft, first, second, third, and fourth axially genome spaced gears rotatably mounted on said output shaft, said first rotatable gear having meshing engagement with said first gear on-said third shaft, a second gear on said third shaft'having meshing engagement with said third rotatable gear, a third gear on saidthird shaft having meshing engagement'w-ith said fourth rotatable gear, a lay shaft -first and second gearsnonrotatable relative to each other on said lay-shaft, a fourth gear on said thirdshaft having meshing engagement with said first gear on said lay shaft, said second gear on said lay shaft" having meshing engagement with said rotatable gear, a first clutch collar member mounted concentrically about said output shaft intermediate said first and second rotatable gears,-said first clutch collar member being adapted to selectively clutch-either said first or second rotatable gear to said output shaft for effecting either one of two drive-ratios between said third shaft and said output shaft, a 'secondclutch collar member mounted 1 concentrically about said output shaft intermediate said third and'fourth rotatable gearssaid second clutch collar member being adapted to selectively clutcheither said third or fourth rotatable 'gear to said output shaft for effecting one or two-a'ddi tional drive ratios between said third shaft-and said output shaft, and a drive pinion at the end of said output shaft.

5'. A transmission including a housing, 'a first shaft in said transmission housing, a second'shaft aligned coaxially of said first shaft, selectively operable forward and reverse drive gear means between said first and second shafts, a third shaft aligned coaxially of said second shaft, a 'gear at the end of said second shaft adjacent-said third shaft, a gear at the end of said thirdshaft adjacent said second shaft, aplanet carrier arranged concentrically about said gears at the adj acent ends of said second and third shafts, planet pinion means carried by said planet carrier and having meshing engagement with said gears at the adjacent ends of said second and third shafts, said last named planet pinion means having meshing engagement with a ring gear journaled on said second shaft, fluid actuated clutch means for clutching said planet carrier to said third shaft for "effecting one drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, brake means for braking said planet carrier against rotation'for effecting a second drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear,'brake means for brakingsaid third shaft against rotation for effecting a third drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, a gear secured to said ring gear, a fourth shaft lying below said second shaft, a first gear secured on said fourth shaft and having meshing engagement with the gear secured to said ringgear, an output shaft lying below said fourth shaft, first, second, third, and fourth axially spaced gears rotatably mounted on said output shaft, said first rotatable gear having meshing engagement with said first gear on said fourth shaft, a second gear on said. fourth shaft having meshing engagement with said third rotatable ar, a third gear on said fourth shaft having'meshing engagement with said fourtlrrotatable gear, a lay shaft, first and second gears non-rotatable relative to each other onsaid lay shaft, a fourth gear on said fourth shaft having meshing engagement with said first gear on said lay-shaft, said second gear on said lay shaft having meshing engagement withsaidsecond rotatable gear,-a firstclutch collarmembermounted concentrically about said output shaft intermediate said first and second rotatable gears, said first clutch collar member being adapted to selectively clutch: either said first or second rotatable gear to said output shaft for effecting either oneof two drive ratios between said, fourth shaft and said output shaft, a second clutch collar member mounted concentrically about said output-shaft intermediate said third and fourth rotatable gears, said second clutch collar member being -adapted'to selectively clutch either said third or fourth rotatable gear to said output shaft for effecting one of two additional drive ratios between said fourth shaft and said output shaft, anda drive pinion at the end of-said output shaft.

-6. A transmission including a housing, an input shaft'extending into said housing, a first shaft in said transmission housing below said input shaft, -a gear fixed to said input shaft and having meshing engagement with a gear fixedto said first shaft, asecondv shaft aligned coaxially of said first shaft, a gear at the end of said first shaft adjacent said second shaft, agear at the end of said second shaft adjacent said first shaft, a 'first planet carrier arranged concentrically aboutsaid gears at the adjacent ends of said first and secondshafts, first compound planet pinion means carried bysaid first planet carrier and having'first and second pinion portions with the first pinion portions meshing with the gear on said first-shaft, second planet pinion means having pinion portions meshing with said second pinion portions of said first compound planet pinion means and meshing with the gear on said second shaft, fluid actuated clutch means for clutching said first planet carrier to said second shaft for effecting direct drive between said first and-second shafts, brake means for braking said first planet carrier against rotation for effecting reverse drive between said first and sec ond shafts, a third shaft aligned coaxial'ly of said second shaft, a gear at the end of said second shaft-adjacent said third shaft, a gear at the end of said'third shaft adjacent said second shaft, a second planet carrier arranged concentrically about said-gears at the adjacent ends of said second and'third shafts, planet pinion means carried by said second planet carrier and having meshing engagement with said gears at the adjacent ends of said second and third shafts, said last named planet pinion means having meshing engagement with a ring gear journaled on said second shaft, fluid actuated clutch means for clutching said second planet carrier to said third 'shaft for effecting one drive range between said second shaft and said ringgear, brake means for braking said second planet carrier against rotation'for effecting a second drive range between said. second shaft and said ring gear, brake means forbraking said third shaft against rotation for effecting a third drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, a gear secured to said ring gear, a fourth shaft lying below said second shaft, a first gear secured on said fourth shaft and having meshing engagement with the gear secured to said ring gear, an output shaft lying below said fourth shaft, first, second, third, and fourth axially spaced gears rotatably mounted on said output shaft, said first rotatable gear having meshing engagement with said first gear on said fourth shaft, a second gear on said fourth shaft having meshing engagement with said third rotatable gear, a third gear on said fourth shaft having meshing engagement with said fourth rotatable gear, a lay shaft, first and second gears non-rotatable relative to each other on said lay shaft, a fourth gear on said fourth shaft having meshing engagement with said first gear on said lay shaft, said second gear on said lay shaft having meshing engagement with said second rotatable gear, a first clutch collar member mounted concentrically about said output shaft intermediate said first and second rotatable gears, said first clutch collar member being adapted to selectively clutch either said first or second rotatable gear to said output shaft for effecting either one of two drive ratios between said fourth shaft and said output shaft, a second clutch collar member mounted concentrically about said output shaft intermediate said third and fourth rotatable gears, said second clutch collar member being adapted to selectively clutch either said third or fourth rotatable gear to said output shaft for effecting one of two additional drive ratios between said fourth shaft and said output shaft, and a drive pinion at the end of the said output shaft.

7. A transmission including a housing comprising a forward portion, an intermediate portion, and a rear portion, said transmission housing portions being detachably secured together, an input shaft extending into said forward housing portion, a first shaft extending through said forward housing portion and into said intermediate housing portion, gear means between said input shaft and said first shaft and lying within the confines of said forward housing portion, a second shaft aligned coaxially of said first shaft and extending between said intermediate and rear housing portions, selectively operable forward and reverse drive gear means between said first and second shafts and lying within the confines of said intermediate housing portion, a third shaft aligned coaxially of said second shaft and lying within the confines of said rear housing portion, a gear at the end of said second shaft within said rear housing portion, a gear at the end of said third shaft adjacent said second shaft, a planet carrier arranged concentrically about said gears within said rear housing portion, planet pinion means carried by said planet carrier and having meshing engagement with said gears within said rear housing portion, a sleeve member journaled on said second shaft within said intermediate housing portion, said sleeve member projecting into said rear housing portion and having a ring gear at the end thereof, said planet pinion means having meshing engagement with said ring gear, fluid actuated clutch means within said rear housing portion for clutching said planet carrier to said third shaft for effecting one drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, brake means within said rear housing portion for braking said planet carrier against rotation for effecting a second drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, brake means within said rear housing portion for braking said third shaft against rotation for effecting a third drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, a fourth shaft lying below said second shaf t and extending through said forward and intermediate housing portions, gear means between said ring gear sleeve and said fourth shaft within the confines of said intermediate housing portion, an output shaft lying below said fourth. shaft and extending through said forward and intermediate housing portions, and selectively operable change speed gear means between said fourth shaft and said output shaft and lying within the confines of said forward and intermediate housing portions.

8. A transmission including a housing comprising a forward portion, an intermediate portion, and a rear portion, said transmission housing portions being detachably secured together, an input shaft extending into said forward housing portion, a first shaft extending through said forward housing portion and into said intermediate housing portion, a gear fixed to said input shaft within said forward housing portion and having meshing engagement with a gear fixed to said first shaft within said forward housing portion, a second shaft aligned coaxially of said first shaft and extending between said intermediate and rear housing portions, a gear at the end of said first shaft within said intermediate housing portion, a gear at the end of said second shaft adjacent said first shaft, a first planet carrier arranged concentrically about said gears at the adjacent ends of said first and second shafts, first compound planet pinion means carried by said first planet carrier and having first and second pinion portions with the first pinion portions meshing with the gear on said first shaft, second planet pinion means having pinion portions meshing with said second pinion portions of said first compound planet pinion means and meshing with the gear on said second shaft, fluid actuated clutch means within said intermediate housing portion for clutching said first planet carrier to said second shaft for effecting direct drive between said first and second shafts, brake means within said intermediate housing portion for braking said first planet carrier against rotation for effecting reverse drive between said first and second shafts, a third shaft aligned coaxially of said second shaft and lying within the confines of said rear housing portion, a gear at the end of said second shaft within said rear housing portion, a gear at the end of said third shaft adjacent said second shaft, a second planet carrier arranged concentrically about said gears within said rear housing portion, planet pinion means carried by said second planet carrier and having meshing engagement with said gears within said rear housing portion, a sleeve member journaled on said second shaft within said intermediate housing portion, said sleeve member projecting into said rear housing portion and having a ring gear at the end thereof, said planet pinion means having meshing engagement with said ring gear, fiuid actuated clutch means within said rear housing portion for clutching said second planet carrier to said third shaft for effecting one drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, brake means within said rear housing portion for braking said second planet carrier against rotation for effecting a second drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, brake means within said rear housing portion for braking said third shaft against rotation for effecting a third drive range between said second shaft and said ring gear, a gear fixed to said ring gear sleeve, a fourth shaft lying below said second shaft and extending through said forward and intermediate housing portions, a first gear secured on said fourth shaft within said intermediate housing portion and having meshing engagement with the gear on said ring gear sleeve, an output shaft lying below said fourth shaft and extending through said forward and intermediate housing portions, first, second, third, and fourth axially spaced gears rotatably mounted on said output shaft within the confines of said forward and intermediate housing portions, said first rotatable gear having meshing engagement with said first gear on said fourth shaft, a second gear on said fourth shaft having meshing engagement with said third rotatable gear, a third gear on said fourth shaft having meshing engagement with said fourth rotatable gear, a lay shaft, first and second gears non-rotatable relative to each other on said lay shaft, a fourth gear on said fourth shaft having meshing engagement with said first gear on said lay shaft, said second gear on said lay shaft having meshing engagement with said second rotatable gear, a first clutch collar member mounted concentrically about said output shaft intermediate said first and second rotatable gears, said first clutch collar member being adapted to selectively clutch either said first or second rotatable gear to said output shaft for effecting either one of two drive ratios between said fourth shaft and said output shaft, a second clutch collar member mounted concentrically about said output shaft intermediate said third and fourth rotatable gears, said second clutch collar member being adapted to selectively clutch either said third or fourth rotatable gears to said output shaft for effecting one of two additional drive ratios between said fourth shaft and said output shaft, and a drive pinion at the end of said output shaft outwardly of said forward housing portion.

9. The combination of .a first shaft, a second shaft arranged coaxial of said first shaft, a gear fixed to the end of said first shaft adjacent said second shaft, a gear fixed to the end of said second shaft adjacent said first shaft, a planet carrier arranged concentrically about said first and second shafts and including an axially extending inner clutch hub having external straight splines, compound planet pinions carried by said planet carrier and having first pinion portions which mesh with the gear on said second shaft, planet pinions carried by said planet carrier and meshing with the gear on said first shaft and the second pinion portions of said compound planet pinions, a sleeve member journaled about said first shaft, a ring gear at the end of said sleeve member having meshing engagement with the second pinion portions of said compound planet pinions, an outer axially extending clutch hub radially spaced from the inner clutch hub of said planet carrier and having internal 18 straight splines, said outer clutch hub being secured to a radial flange mounted on said second shaft, first clutch discs mounted for axial movement on the splines of said inner clutch hub, second clutch discs mounted for axial movement on the splines of said outer clutch hub and arranged alternately relative to said first clutch discs, a fluid actuated piston disposed at one end of the clutch discs for selectively forcing said first and second clutch discs into engagement whereby said planet carrier is clutched to said second shaft and one drive ratio is effected between said first shaft and said sleeve member, a first brake drum secured to said planet carrier and overlying said clutch discs, a first brake band adapted to be disposed selectively in braking engagement with said first brake drum for braking said planet carrier against rotation whereby a second drive ratio is effected between said first shaft and said sleeve member, a second brake drum overlying said piston and secured to said radial flange mounted on said second shaft, and a second brake band adapted to be disposed selectively in braking engagement with said second brake drum for braking said second shaft against rotation whereby a third drive ratio is effected between said first shaft and said sleeve member.

References Oited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PA'I'ENTS Number Name Date 2,123,769 Cotal July 12, 1938 2,134,109 Eckert Oct. 25, 1938 2,288,206 Pierpont June 30, 1942 2,314,833 Keese Mar. 23, 1943 2,341,756 Avila Feb. 15, 1944 2,459,705 Julien Jan. 18, 1949 2,488,756 Baker Nov. 22, 1949 2,494,505 Bouchard Jan. 10, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 427,879 Great Britain Apr. 25, 1935 626,019 Great Britain July 7, 1949 343,203 Germany Sept. 10, 1929 403,871 Italy May 11, 1943 929,571 France July 15, 1947 OTHER REFERENCES Publication, Automotive Industries, July 15. 

